Innovator Trust prepares for prestigious Women in Tech Awards celebrating female innovators
Founded over a decade ago by Vodacom, the awards has been pivotal in nurturing and advancing the capabilities of women-led businesses within the tech sector. The WIT platform, a cornerstone initiative of the Trust, aims to amplify the achievements of women who lead not just with innovation but with intent and influence.
Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust, emphasised the importance of women-led innovation for societal and economic progression. 'Women-led innovation is essential for long-term social and economic progress,' she stated.
'Research conducted by the McKinsey & Co Report 2020 highlights that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more likely to be profitable and create greater value, showing that inclusion boosts business performance.'
Furthermore, the Boston Consulting Group indicates that startups founded or co-founded by women generate significantly higher returns, more than twice as much revenue per dollar invested, compared to those founded by men. Jooste affirms, 'The evidence is clear: investing in women delivers measurable results.'
It is revealed that the event will feature a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, engaging keynote presentations, interactive plenary discussions, and exhibitions showcasing emerging talent in innovation. Attendees can look forward to invaluable networking opportunities that foster dialogue centred on reflection, celebration, and forward-thinking strategies.
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The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
US tariffs: SA sends new proposal but no changes to laws
The new offer sent by South Africa responds to the issues the US previously raised. South Africa sent off its new proposal to avoid the US tariff of 30% on goods from South Africa exported to the US, but the country is not planning to change the laws that seem to be on the US president's agenda. Parks Tau, minister of trade, industry and competition, said at a press conference on Tuesday that since the 30% unilateral tariff imposed by the US which came into force on 7 August, government has been working on a response anchored on five key elements: continued engagement with the United States to secure a deal and reduce the tariffs; diversification of exports to alternate markets; an economic response package to vulnerable companies and workers; trade defence against import surge and dumping; and demand side interventions. He said regarding continued engagement with the US, cabinet approved that South Africa submits a revised offer as a basis for negotiations. The new offer builds on the previous offer submitted in May and substantively responds to the issues the US raised in the 2025 National Trade Estimates Report. ALSO READ: BEE left out of US trade talks – Minister Lamola SA on top of sanitary measures Tau pointed out that South Africa already addressed sanitary and phytosanitary measures in compliance with the bio-security protocols for: Poultry: South Africa granted market access under the conditional self-ban and self-lifting system to ensure that the US can leverage the tariff rate quota of 72 000 tons already agreed to in 2016; Blueberries: South Africa granted market access for states that are free of fruit fly and agreed to mitigation measures with those states with fruit fly; and Pork: which is open subject to the bio-security requirements. 'Consequently, the USA-Africa Trade Desk informed us that it will be shipping containers of poultry and pork to South Africa in two weeks' time, which is testimony that these issues have been resolved.' Another significant request from the US was that South Africa consider reducing tariffs as a way to address the deficit and tariff disparity with the European Union due to the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. Tau said South Africa continues consultations with industry and in this regard, in consultation with other members of the Southern African Customs Union, will identify specific lines to respond to this request.' ALSO READ: Government must actively manage fallout from US tariffs with trade crisis committee – BLSA Cabinet endorsed economic response package to US tariffs Cabinet also endorsed the economic response package that includes: The establishment of an export support desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for affected companies. Tau said, so far, it has helped 23 companies. In addition, the department also initiated meetings with more than 54 South African exporters to the US, focusing on updates on the negotiations, clarifications on tariffs, elements of an economic response package and issues linked to market diversification. Measures to assist companies to absorb the tariff and facilitate long-term resilience and growth strategies to protect jobs and productive capacity in South Africa. A localisation support fund (LSF) for affected companies to contribute to the national effort. The Export and Competitiveness Support Programme (ECSP), which will include a working capital facility and plant and equipment facility to address short to medium term needs across all industries. Working with the department of employment and labour on measures to mitigate potential job losses, using existing instruments within its entities that can be adjusted to respond to the current challenges. After consultations with the Competition Commission, a block exemption for exporters was introduced to enable collaboration and coordination among competitors. A draft block exemption will be published by the end of the week to conclude the process as fast as possible. Information will be available on the department's website. ALSO READ: South Africa has to cast its trade net wider Finding alternative export markets About finding alternate export markets, Tau said the new US tariff on South Africa's exports is a significant policy shift that necessitates a clear and decisive response. 'South Africa accelerated its diversification efforts of export markets and enhanced competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access. 'The diversification is a strategic imperative to ensure our economy is more resilient to economic shocks. This is not a plan B but a plan A for long-term resilience and competitiveness. 'We are committed to strengthening our relationships, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area, to build regional resilience. We will also continue the work we started with our European partners towards enhancing our trade and investment relations in a manner that unlocks sustainable growth and development and entrenches South Africa in new supply chains.' He added that government is also looking at Asia, including Japan, Vietnam and Thailand, the Middle East and India. 'We are pursuing these markets because we see growing demand, existing negotiations and a positive reception to South African products. 'This is not just about trade numbers but directly linked to job protection. Diversification is about protecting rural livelihoods and sustainable agricultural growth for our people.' ALSO READ: 'It's just gone' – Trump's tariffs cost SA company R750m overnight High-level negotiation team ready to talk about US tariffs A high-level negotiation team, including the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Department of Agriculture, has been identified to engage the US, Tau says. 'Our goal is to demonstrate that South African exports do not pose a threat to US industries and that our trade relationship is in fact complementary. 'While the US is our third largest trading partner after the EU and China, South Africa is the 43rd export destination for the United States and accounts for 0.25% of total US imports and therefore not a threat to US production. 'In addition, the US market accounts for about 4% of our total agriculture exports, or R9.8 billion ($537 million) of our total agricultural exports, an increase of 104% from 2018.' Turning to protecting domestic industry against import surge and dumping, Tau pointed out the unilateral US tariffs do not only apply to South Africa. The US tariffs also affect over 130 trading partners and many of the US orders that now face prohibitive restrictions will seek other 'outlets', he said. 'In addition, chronic overcapacity observed in the world markets for key product markets like steel, glass, subsidised agricultural products, solar and automotive vehicles will make this search incessantly harmful for our domestic industry.' ALSO READ: US tariff an existential threat for a third of metals and engineering sector SA ready to protect its industry, Tau says 'Therefore, South Africa stands ready to make use of its trade remedy measures to safeguard and protect its industry, within the prevailing agreements of the World Trade Organisation. This will involve the consideration and use of anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard measures to protect the domestic industry which may be affected by trade deflection and/or diversion.' Speaking about demand side interventions to leverage the buying power of local consumers, private sector and government, Tau said Proudly South Africa will intensify outreach with corporates and retailers through its online store and Market Access Platform (MAP) procurement tool targeted at the private sector to support increased domestic sales of products, with future export capability of the online platform to be used to assist with export market diversification.
eNCA
an hour ago
- eNCA
SA to offer US new deal to avoid 30% tariff
PRETORIA - South Africa will offer a "generous" new trade deal to the United States to avoid 30-percent tariffs, ministers said on Tuesday. Washington on Friday slapped the huge tariff on some South African exports, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, despite efforts by Pretoria to negotiate a better arrangement to avoid massive job losses. The ministers did not release details of the new offer but said previously discussed measures to increase imports of US poultry, blueberries and pork had been finalised. "When the document is eventually made public, I think you would see it as a very broad, generous and ambitious offer to the United States on trade," Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said at a press briefing. Officials have said the 30-percent tariff could cost the economy around 30,000 jobs. "Our goal is to demonstrate that South African exports do not pose a threat to US industries and that our trade relationship is, in fact, complementary," Trade Minister Parks Tau said. The United States is South Africa's third-largest trading partner after the European Union and China. However, South African exports account for only 0.25 percent of total US imports and are "therefore not a threat to US production", Tau said. Steenhuisen said US diplomats raised issues related to South African domestic policies, which was a "surprise given the fact we thought we were in a trade negotiation". The two nations are at odds over a range of policies. US President Donald Trump has criticised land and employment laws meant to redress racial inequalities that linger 30 years after the end of apartheid. "Things like expropriation without compensation, things like some of the race laws in the country, are issues that they regard as barriers now to doing trade with South Africa," he told AFP on the sidelines of the briefing.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
South Africa unperturbed by US visa policies affecting Zimbabwe
US President Donald Trump continues to disrupt global diplomacy after a recent visa ban imposed on Zimbabwe. Image: Peter Zay / AFP The South African government appears unmoved by the recent visa ban imposed by the US embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, even as US President Donald Trump continues to disrupt global diplomacy with tariff increases and immigration policies seven months into his second term. The US has suspended all routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services to Zimbabwe due to concerns about misuse and overstays. However, the issuance of other visa types remains unaffected. Although South Africa was exempt from new Trump visa restrictions on SADC countries, a new policy has been implemented for Malawi and Zambia. Citizens of these nations are now required to pay a bond of $5,000 (R88,656) to $15,000 (R265,967) to travel to the United States. Additionally, the citizens are required to use one of three airports—Boston's Logan International, New York's JFK International, or Dulles International near Washington D.C.—for both arrival and departure. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ When asked whether South African citizens should be worried, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri gave a brief response: "We do not provide commentary on other countries' visa regimes, and this is our general position, it's not specific to the US." A senior government official, however, downplayed the likelihood of South Africans being affected by the US visa restrictions. "Remember Trump is only in our case because of the International Court of Justice case against Israel and our involvement in BRICS. Nothing more and nothing less," the official said. "South Africans visiting the US are mostly professionals who either go for business or a holiday. We seldom have citizens wanting to immigrate to the should have nothing to worry about,' he said. The US embassy explained that the reasons for the restrictions was because the administration was working to prevent visa overstay and misuse as part of national security. "The Trump administration is protecting our nation and citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process," the embassy said. "We are always working to prevent visa overstay and misuse." In June, the US imposed travel bans on citizens from 12 countries, with seven of them located in Africa. Additionally, heightened restrictions were applied to seven other nations, three of which are African. The US has issued a demand to 36 countries, predominantly in Africa, to enhance their traveler vetting procedures. Failure to comply could result in a ban on their citizens visiting the US. International Relations analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said it was unfortunate that the US had an obsession with immigration issues. "All democratic countries must encourage international country movements. However it is incumbent upon citizens that they don't abuse regulations. But one thing to acknowledge in terms of implementation of immigration laws globally is not to interfere and dissuade inter country movements of students because knowledge sharing and education is a universal right,' Ngwenya said.
